However, the private sector has generally been quicker than government to adapt new technologies and innovative business models. This is a serious gap, which is quickly being filled by inspired individuals and groups finding the means to create better services, and leveraging new technologies.

Web 2.0 companies are springing up to build new products and services that advantage of growing computing capacity and near universal connectivity.

Leading technology companies have found ways to disrupt traditional businesses, creating entirely new methods of satisfying customer needs. Government ought to do the same. In fact, the Civil Service boasts some advantages over commercial enterprises, e.g. a broader constituency.

Like government, established companies often struggle to overcome legacy systems and patterns of thought. As Peter Drucker – a seminal 20th century management thinker - pointed out:

Of course innovation is risky. But defending yesterday is far more risky than creating tomorrow.

With this in mind, you may find it useful to emulate businesses when brainstorming and vetting innovative service propositions. A few fundamental questions to consider would include: